Olive Trails

Ronda, Antequera, Zuheros, Córdoba

5 days / 4 nights, Fully Guided & Supported

Superior Hotels

The white villages of Grazalema, the charm of Ronda, the goats cheeses and olive oil of the Deep South of Andalucia are all to explore on this lovely route. Cycle traffic free rails for trails in tranquil countryside.

Enjoy and experience the history of the the picturesque towns of Malaga and Ronda, whilst taking in some spectacular scenery of White Villages and Olive Groves without working too hard on those pedals! By journeying along some lovely paths and the traffic free, disused network of railway lines that once connected these towns and quiet country roads ("via verde"), riders are able to traverse this ever-changing terrain easily and safely. A trip that is fit for those who aren’t keen to rack up the miles in the saddle but still enjoy cycling with some stunning sights and of course fine hotels and cultural experiences. This tour is a great introduction to Andalucia - a tapas taster if you like!

There are a lot of hidden jewels of this most enigmatic part of Andalucia, Spain. The flamenco, the classic fino sherry, the White Villages, the ancient fortresses, the freshest olive oil, the vibrancy of the sun, and the fiesta of life make up this really remarkable region.

Here the rolling fields and indigo shadows of the rocky clefts of the surrounding mountains are truly peaceful and far away hilltop castles score the vista. An easy going cycle each day brings you into areas of great historical significance that boasted some of the greatest civilizations known in Europe including the Romans, Moors and Christian Monarchs. What better way to end this most engaging voyage then by visiting an organic olive oil press to learn the secrets of producing, quite literally, some of the finest oil in the world.

Route Map

itinerary

Day 1. Málaga to Ronda

25km/15m

The pulsating Costa del Sol and historic Málaga, known to the Romans and Phoenicians, is our first port of call. After meeting at 10.00, we transfer from the seaside into the former bandit territory by riding through the Sierra de las Nieves national park, home to white washed villages and dramatic mountain scenery.

Arrive in Ronda, a place Orson Welles loved so much his ashes were spread near here. Snap photos from the staggering viewpoints and the famous Puente Nuevo bridge, immortalized in Hemmingway´s "For whom the Bell Tolls", and see Spain´s first bullring. Take a welcome rest in your beautiful hotel, the Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria, perched high overlooking the incredible gorge, before a group welcome dinner.

Day 2. Ronda to the White Village of Grazalema

25km/15m

After breakfast, time to say adios and take a short transfer to close by Grazalema, a lovely white village nestled into the mountain side. From here, we head east for some gentle riding around the stunning sierras of Ronda and Grazalema. A natural parkland of mountains and a play land for cyclists, with stunning white villages and some of the best cycling in Spain, preserve of soaring eagles and sculptural cork forests. Edge around an aqua blue reservoir, with time to stop at the peaceful village of Zahara.Our fantastic hotel for the night offers high comfort with views out to the dramatic scenery. Relax poolside before heading into the small white village, in the mountainside, to try the local tapas dishes.

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Day 3. The Vía Verde, Olvera and Antequera

Up to 35km / 22m

After a buffet breakfast, we do a little riding through the cork tree forests and visit Olvera and its beautiful panoramas before we take a cycle along the traffic free rail trail. This old railway line is full of glorious tunnels and beautiful views. In the afternoon, we transfer onto the Neolithic, Roman, Moorish and Christian infused town of Antequera. We stay at the luxury Parador Hotel a modern structure surrounded by parkland. You are well situated to enjoy some of the best restaurants or tapas bars of Antequera and explore the historic centre.

Day 4. Antequera, Lucena to Olive Oil Country

30km / 18m

This area is certainly blessed with pretty riding and so after arriving at Lucena, an important town in the fino sherry production (a dry, pale aperitif) we head onto another via verde to enjoy traffic free riding. This old railway line was originally for the trains to carry the olives. So imagine the landscape of olive groves and natural parkland. After lunch at a railway station converted into a restaurant and musuem, we continue on the trail to our final destination, the village of Zuheros and a hacienda overlooking the groves. This gem of a hotel (Hacienda Minerva) is our place to relax tonight before enjoying a group dinner in its incredible dining room.

Day 5. Olives and onwards to Málaga (or continue to Córdoba)

Explore Day

Wake up and have breakfast on an outside terrace overlooking the tranquil olive groves. We then take you on a fascinating experience - our chance to be shown the inner workings of an organic oil press, using traditional methods. We take a transfer to Córdoba, for a walking tour and visit to the UNESCO Heritage site, La Mezquita and ancient Santa Cruz district. Those who wish to stay here can be dropped off in Córdoba, for those wishing to go back to the Costa del Sol, we transfer to Málaga centre (arriving at the centre for 16:30). Have a wonderful Trip!

Trip details

Tour Style

Riding Level

Easy Going - Daily average of 30km. Flat countryside. The riding is on quiet country roads (low traffic) and a Via Verde route - traffic free, converted railway tracks with a hard packed surface. Some gradients. Perfect for beginners or those wanting to relax. There will be van transfers to the riding areas.

Transfer

From arrival point at Málaga to departure point at Málaga.

Staff

2 leaders with full van support to pick up souvenirs, provide refreshments, act as guide, offer tips and insights throughout the day, provide directional signs where required, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance.

Getting Here

Several international flight carriers access Málaga. There is also the excellent rail link between Madrid, Seville and Córdoba to Málaga with the fast AVE train system.

Lodgings

There really is nothing better than a bit of good kip on holiday and we appreciate that so hotels chosen on our routes are geared for this highly prized part of the trip.

Our Olive Trails tour features accommodation which will ensure a deep sleep. In Ronda we stay at beautiful hotels such as the Catalonia Reina Victoria, which is set on or near the amazing Tajo Gorge of Ronda and surrounded by palms and fir trees.

We move on to Grazalema to stay in a lovely spot such as the Fuerte, blessed with an Andalucian style and hospitality. This is a wonderful area to put your feet up and get a good book out so enchanting are the views.

Moving onto Antequera, we stay in the Parador of Antequera, a modern hotel set in beautiful grounds, making it the perfect place to explore the alcazar, bull ring and historic centre of this fascinating city.

Our final hotel on this relaxing tour oozes tranquility as we enjoy the Hacienda Minerva. Take time for a swim, read a book in the library or even a soak in their own Arabic baths. A delightful place, we will enjoy its highly regarded restaurant.

Reviews

"Your planning worked perfectly. I am now at the Melia hotel relaxing with a cup of Cafe before getting the shuttle to the airport. It was a perfect place to stay. By the way I did go to the casa de Safarad and found it fascinating and beautiful. I'm glad you suggested it.Again my deep thanks for the wonderful trip and all your help. My best,"S. Singer, Boston, USA - Oct 2018

"Personal attention and local knowledge make the differenceI checked out the competition, compared price and itinerary, and elected to go with Cycling Country -- again! This was my second trip with them, and I was once again very pleased with the personal service. I was also glad to have a small, nimble company to work with when weather and washed-out roads caused us to have to change our itinerary on three of our cycling days. They found beautiful alternate routes that met our small group's capabilities, and we ended up with a very happy experience."R. Lawrence, Hamilton, USA - Oct 2018

"We where overwhelmed with the trip provided by Cycling Country - not to overstate it, but it exceeded all our expectations. We had the roads to ourselves and the hotels were simply marvelous. Your team of guides know all about the area and provided us with lots of chat and fun throughout the cycling. And the cycling was so much fun and the area picturesque. Only downside was it was over too soon! Well done. John and I look forward to seeing you again on another tour."K. Samson, Exeter, UK - May 2017

"We had a wonderful family vacation! 12 of us, age range 61 to 26, biked the Olive Trails Tour in late October. None of us had taken a trip like this before, or cycled for more than a day. Dean and Javi were extremely sensitive to our variety of abilities and concerns. The trip was well planned, with comfortable accommodations, great breakfasts and very nice dinners. As we rode, one guide would bike with us, and the other would follow in the van to pick up those of us who tired. We ALL would do a Cycling Country again in a heartbeat!"M. Branson, Toronto, CAN - Oct 2016

"Great local guides, excellent knowledge, good, hard cycling, top food and accommodation...perfect mix of nationalities. Great balance for cyclists. Would use them again for sure."Peter, Paris, France - Sep 2015

Testimonials from previous cyclists are always available and we enjoy receiving the feedback after tours. It helps us improve our services and offer you an even better experience. Please feel free to contact us if you would like a reference to talk to. Others have also posted reviews on the independent travel website .

THE CC ADVANTAGE

Charming Stays with a Boutique Hacienda & 4 Star City Class Hotel

Savour a tasty Home Cooked 3 Course Meal of Local Produce

Andalucia is our Home, we live here and are Proud to Show it to You!

We were overwhelmed with the trip provided by Cycling Country - not to overstate it, but it exceeded all our expectations. We had the roads to ourselves and the hotels were simply marvelous. Your team of guides know all about the area and provided us with lots of chat and fun throughout the cycling. And the cycling was so much fun and the area picturesque. Only downside was it was over too soon! Well done. John and I look forward to seeing you again on another tour.

Cycling Country S.L. is registered as a limited liability company (No. B18907741) and licenced as a fully bonded travel agency in Andalucia, Spain (No. 184031-2) in compliance with Spanish and European Law. Cycling Country is a Registered Trade Mark.